Dec. 4, 2025, 11:39 a.m. ET
Are you an Android user? If so, you may be eligible to receive a payment through a recent multi-million dollar settlement with Google.
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced $630 million has already been paid into a settlement fund by Google after her office and a coalition of 53 other attorneys general sued the company in 2021 and secured the $700 million settlement in 2023.
“When big corporations use their monopoly power to stifle competition and raise costs, consumers pay the price,” James said. “For years, Google took advantage of its control over its app store to overcharge its customers and box out competing developers. I urge all New Yorkers who may be eligible for restitution to follow the settlement instructions to ensure they get their money back.”
Here’s what New Yorkers should know about the settlement.
What is the lawsuit about?
The AG’s Office says Google “unlawfully maintained a monopoly over mobile app distribution and in-app payment processing for Android devices and used its monopoly power to charge consumers as much as 30% in fees for purchasing apps and making in-app purchases.”
If the settlement is approved, much of the settlement funds will land in the hands of the consumers who were affected by the “unfairly rais(ed)” prices.
Google denies any wrongdoing, according to the settlement website, but is making changes to stop its anticompetitive practices.
Am I eligible for a settlement payment?
Possibly. If you paid for apps through the Google Play Store or for in-app content, including purchases in gaming apps, subscriptions, and ad-free versions of apps, through Google Play Billing between Aug. 16, 2016 and Sept. 30, 2023, you could be eligible.
Do I have to submit a claim?
Probably not. Those who were affected started receiving notices on Dec. 2 and a majority of the settlement payments will be made automatically once the settlement is approved by the court.
However, if you don’t have an existing PayPal or Venmo account and don’t want to sign up for one, no longer have access to the email or phone number associated with your Google Play account or were expecting to receive a settlement payment but didn’t, you may have to submit a supplemental claim after the automatic payments are sent out.
If you want to be notified when the supplemental claims process begins, you can submit your name, email address and mobile phone number on the settlement website.
How much money will I get through the settlement?
You’ll receive at least $2, according to the settlement website.
However, depending on how much you paid for apps through the Google Play Store or for in-app content through Google Play Billing between Aug. 16, 2016 and Sept. 30, 2023, you could receive more.
When will my payment be sent?
It’s a bit unclear right now. There’s a final approval hearing currently scheduled for April 30, 2026 to decide whether the settlement will be approved.
If it’s approved, you’ll receive an email from PayPal or a text from Venmo informing you of an incoming payment at the email address or mobile phone number associated with your Google Play account. If that email or phone number is also associated with a PayPal or Venmo account, you’ll automatically receive your payment.
If you don’t have an email or phone number associated with a PayPal or Venmo account, you can create a new account or direct your payment to a different PayPal or Venmo account.
Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
